8 reasons why intermenstrual bleeding should attract your attention

Intermenstrual vaginal bleeding is the bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. The duration of normal menstrual flow is approximately four days, with a blood loss equivalent to between 30 and 80 milliliters (2 to 8 tablespoons) and occurs every 28 days.

Vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods or after menopause can be due to various causes, mostly benign and treatable.

"Intermenstrual bleeding is a rare situation. It is suffered by women who have normal rhythms and in the middle, that is, with ovulation they have a small leak of blood. It is not at all bad, nor do they have anything to worry about, apart from discomfort of bleeding out of date, if it is not something frequent. Most of the time it happens after 2 or 3 months and disappears. However, if it is a repetitive condition, it is the woman's duty to evaluate herself and undergo a vaginal ultrasound. will be indicated. In most cases, this bleeding may represent the presence of polyps or the so-called 'meat titties', something that is easily manageable," explains the gynecologist. Konstantinos Tserotas.

Likewise, here are 8 reasons why intermenstrual bleeding should draw your attention:

1.- Hormonal disorders: Each month, the levels of female hormones produced in a woman's body rise and fall. Estrogen and progesterone are two very important hormones in the ovulation process, the moment when the ovaries release the egg. Changes in hormonal levels cause the egg not to be released at the time, delaying or advancing the period and making it more abundant. Hormonal disorder can be a cause of sterility (ability to get pregnant), development of severe anemia and development of endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer begins in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, and has a five-year survival rate of 25% if not detected early.

2.- Cervicitis due to inflammation or infection of the cervix: It is the inflammation of the end of the uterus, caused by an infection acquired during sexual activity (chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus and trichomoniasis) or by other factors such as reactions to the use of intrauterine devices or allergy to spermicides or latex. condoms and the prolonged presence of bacteria (staphylococcus and streptococcus). Cervicitis can last months to years and cause pain during sexual intercourse.

3.- Ectopic pregnancy: It refers to that pregnancy that occurs outside the womb. This is a potentially fatal condition for the mother. One in three women with ectopic pregnancies manage to have her baby, if she is treated in time. The woman may have new ectopic pregnancies, and she may not be able to get pregnant again.

4.- Presence of genital warts: They are soft masses on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, which can be found in the case of women in the vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, as well as inside and outside the anus; and in the man, in the penis. It is spread through sexual contact, being caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In many cases, the virus goes away on its own, but the warts require treatment. Some HPV serotypes can cause cervical and vulvar cancer.

5.- Presence of uterine fibroids or uterine/cervical polyps: They are benign or non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. They are very common. One in five women may have fibroids during their fertile stage. Although their cause is unknown, it is believed that they are caused by the body's hormones and respond to genetic predisposition. Among the possible complications of fibroids are the need for urgent surgery due to severe pain or intense and abundant bleeding, which sometimes; development of anemia; urinary infections if the tumor presses on the bladder and sterility, in less frequent cases.

6.- Spontaneous abortions or other pregnancy complications: This is the name given to the loss of pregnancy due to natural causes before the 20th week of gestation. Among the factors that can contribute to a spontaneous abortion are genetic problems of the fetus, which is the most common cause in the first trimester; problems with the uterus or cervix and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

7.- Hypoactive thyroid (low functioning): People with untreated hypothyroidism are at higher risk of developing infection, infertility, miscarriage, giving birth to a baby with birth defects, heart disease due to higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and heart failure.

8.- Cancer or precancer of the cervix, uterus, and to a lesser extent, the fallopian tubes: Sometimes intermenstrual bleeding can be due to cancer or pre-cancer, so it should always be considered a warning sign and a reason to consult with a specialist as soon as possible. The risk of cancer increases 10% if bleeding occurs postmenopausal.